8 Best Christmas Carol Services This Year

Amidst the onslaught of commercialised Christmas messages, from the John Lewis ad to haute couture Christmas trees, it’s sometimes difficult to recall exactly why we’re all doing this in the first place. While it may come as a surprise to discover that the origins of Christmas aren’t in rampant consumerism, you can at least refresh your memory as to the real meaning (the clue’s in the name), by heading to one of London’s many magical carol services.

Tower of London,The Tower of London at dusk, from the south side of the River Thames

It doesn’t get more trad than the Tower of London, one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in London. The annual Street Child charity carols are a great chance to both see a fantastic venue, but also to help a charity doing incredibly important work around the globe. Street Child aims to support the 121 million school-aged children who are currently out of education. Working in remote, often war-torn, regions across the globe, they acknowledge that the best route out of poverty is education and their projects focus on education, child protection and livelihood support to help address the social, economic and structural issues that underpin today’s education crisis.

The choir of the Chapel Royal will bring timeless Christmas carols in what will be an evening of inspirational readings from special guests, accompanied by incredible music and all followed by mulled wine and, of course, mince pies.

Chester Square, one of Belgravia’s finest squares, a stone’s throw from Victoria Station or shopping on Elizabeth Street, plays host to one of London’s best carol services. A combo of a powerful address, an impressive organ and all the classics make this a traditional (and free) service not to miss.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has been making sick kids better for over a century; it really is one of the best causes in the capital and you can support their work, and enjoy a top-notch carol service to-boot, by attending their carol concert.

Held at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, join with over 750 people to enjoy beautiful music, popular carols and professional performances along with celebrity turns. Along with the concert, there’s a a champagne and canapé reception afterwards nearby at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, with all proceeds going to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Cancer charity Macmillan are putting on their 31st Christmas carols and it promises to be a star-studded affair. Macmillan Christmas at St John’s Smith Square will combine your favourite carols and exceptional musical performances with celebrity readings from the likes of Diana Rigg and Celia Imrie.

The church is notably beautiful, sitting close to Parliament and the river Thames and the perfect setting for this most worthy of charities, with every penny raised going to support cancer victims and their families.

If you work in the city, why not get your Christmas carols fix during your lunch break? St Helen’s, Bishopsgate, are holding a series of Carol Concerts during the week, during lunchtimes.

The magical Church, a piece of the ancient juxtaposed with the modern (it’s surrounded by the glass towers that make up London’s financial centre) will be honouring the birth of Christ with a mix of biblical truths, abulous music and mince pies with mulled wine. All in enough time to escape the office.

Breast Cancer Now are holding their first ever carol concert, combining an evening of carols, Prosecco and mince pies with a smattering of celebrity. Accompanied by the London Concert Choir, the festive event will certainly be one not to miss. What’s more, tickets come with sparking wine, and a mince pie included.